Ricci and Real Opportunity Through Education

Writing in Forbes yesterday, the Goldwater Institute’s Clint Bolick argues that the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ricci v. DeStafano should result in renewed attention to education reform and the need to improve educational opportunities for all people:

“[The ruling] also brought the nation closer to an important day of reckoning. When blacks and Hispanics flunk examinations, the cause is less likely to be discrimination than the appalling educational conditions to which most economically disadvantaged black and Hispanic children are consigned. “Affirmative action” programs that leap-frog less-qualified minorities over more-qualified non-minorities sweep those systemic problems under the carpet. As such, race-based affirmative action programs perpetuate fraud upon the very groups they are designed to help. The fact that few minorities passed the examination should be a call for remedial action–not to throw out the test but to equip more minorities to pass it.”

There is encouraging evidence that aggressive education reforms can make a difference in leveling educational opportunities for minority children and their peers. Consider Florida’s success improving public education. Over the past decade, Florida has outpaced the nation in pushing real school reform—expanding school choice, strengthening the teacher workforce, and holding schools and students accountable for results. Florida’s minority students have made dramatic strides closing the achievement gap with the peers across the country.

We can improve the quality of our K-12 education system to create a society where children from all backgrounds have an opportunity to succeed. The question is whether our elected officials have the courage to take on the special interest groups that stand in the way of the reforms we need.

The Daily Signal depends on the support of readers like you. Donate now

Join The Discussion

I agree, that we have to better educate our children, but the job also has to start with the home and with the values in instilled by caring parents. It's the job of the school to educate pupils, but without basic home teaching of respect for others, it's an impossible task for schools to comply with.

here where i live,the schools seem to be pretty good schools. they encourrage more prental involvment with about everything they do. and also listen to ideals from the parents.get government out of the system and let the locals take charge and lets see who can come up with the best way to educate our children.if it works over here, then try it over there.

Don’t have time to read the Washington Post or New York Times? Then get The Morning Bell, an early morning edition of the day’s most important political news, conservative commentary and original reporting from a team committed to following the truth no matter where it leads.

Email address

Ever feel like the only difference between the New York Times and Washington Post is the name? We do. Try the Morning Bell and get the day’s most important news and commentary from a team committed to the truth in formats that respect your time…and your intelligence.